Herald Reporter, Harris, Clash on Finances of State

W. E. Mullins, Boston Herald columnist, is feuding with a University "savant" for the second time. Last year he quarrelled with Charles R. Cherington '37, associate professor of Government, this spring it is Seymour E. Harris '20, professor of Economics.

In February, 1950 Mullins accused Cherington of being anti-Irish. The latter replied he was was quoted out of context. The argument this time between Mullins and Harris is over whether Governor Dever's budget is too large or too small.

Last January 11, Mullins attacked Harris and some associates for appearing on a radio program and giving their support to Governor Dever's campaign. Harris wrote a letter to the Herald, and Mullins replied yesterday. Harris termed the state expenditures "moderate," while Mullins labelled them "oppressive."

In refutation to Mullins' emphasis on the effect of taxes on business, Harris said last night, "after all, taxes are not merely levied on business, but on behalf of the whole community. Even if taxes are more burdensome on businessmen in this state, it does not follow that this is therefore a bad system."

The per capita burden of taxes was another contested point. "I compared the burden of state and local taxes in the 12 most industrialized states, while Mullins picked states at random and ones with larger populations than Massachusetts," Harris claimed.